You may know that period eight, or baht wan, started in February 2004, but be unsure as to its meaning and significance. In Chinese metaphysics, time is not seen in a linear sense but rather as something that runs in cycles of 180 years. These periods, known as dai wan (big period), repeat themselves. Each dai wan consists of nine periods or sai wan (little periods), which each run for 20 years. Judging from historical texts, this system has been in use for about 2,500 years.

Fung shui masters use this informa- tion for their calculations but it can also be applied to daily life. For instance, each period is associated with a family member. During period six, which ran from 1964 to 1984, the ruling family member was the father or patriarch. During that 20-year period, elder statesmen, politicians and large corporations were prominent.

There was a change in period seven, from 1984 to 2004, when the influence of the youngest daughter came into play. Young women became influential in traditionally male domains such as politics, sports, finance, the media and science.